TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy visited Mecca, Saudi Arabia, on Friday to review the readiness of facilities for Indonesian Hajj pilgrims.

He visited the Yaqub Al Quqandi Hotel in Sector 3 of Mecca and was welcomed by Indonesian Ambassador for Saudi Arabia Abdul Aziz as well as Head of the Indonesian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia Subhan Cholid.

"I come here to coordinate, harmonize, and monitor the preparation of facilities for Indonesian pilgrims to ensure the matters discussed during the preparation meetings are implemented correctly in the field," the coordinating minister remarked.

He said that according to the pilgrims, the facilities and services in the hotel were quite good, with four people occupying each room.

"I think it (the room) is quite comfortable, and the beds also meet the standards. I think it is a comfortable place for taking rest," he remarked.

Effendy also stated that Hajj officers will always be on standby to offer their best services, so the pilgrims could conduct their worship rituals solemnly.

In addition, medical service centers, doctors, and health workers have been readied to assist the pilgrims, he noted.

"The medical staff does not only stay in their posts. Instead, they visit each pilgrims' room every day to check their health conditions and give them vitamins. It is a good attempt, especially since there are many elderly pilgrims now (in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage)," he remarked.

The government said that elderly pilgrims are not obliged to perform optional prayers. The PPIH had also provided food that meets the standards for the elderly pilgrims.

"I think the meal is quite enough. They (the pilgrims) will get rice, fish, and chicken. Furthermore, they will also get vegetables and fruits for lunch," he stated.

He said the pilgrims were satisfied with the services provided by the PPIH, especially the meal, so they did not need to buy any additional food.

ANTARA

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